Q. I have noticed in various publications celebrating the King’s 75th birthday that he has been formally photographed with his tie tucked into his trouser belt. I am not sure about this look. Perhaps you might be kind enough to advise? After all, if His Majesty does adopt this, perhaps we few remaining tie wearers should follow suit.
– N.C., Stanton St Bernard, Wilts
A. Gentlemen go for small, rather than chunky, knots. This leaves them with a longer wide side flapping around. Boris used to leave his overspill dangling to thigh level. HM provides an alternative solution. Neither is very elegant. However, what naturally springs to mind is the Osbert Lancaster cartoon showing Lady Littlehampton pronouncing: ‘If it’s me, it’s U.’ Therefore, remaining tie wearers should follow suit.
Q. A friend lets me stay in her flat in Chelsea one night per week. She refuses to let me pay so we have come to an arrangement whereby I pay her cleaner £120 each time. Remarks my host has made to mutual friends about what a cheap deal I’m on make me suspect that she has forgotten I pay the cleaner direct. How can I clarify things without seeming small-minded?
– P.Z., Oswestry
A. Next time you are with your host, feign absentmindedness as you empty the contents of your purse on to a surface and appear distressed. Say: ‘I’m in such a muddle. I know I came out with £200. I gave your cleaner the usual £120 so I should have £80 left. Where can I have put it?’ Then search elsewhere before gasping: ‘Oh! Here it is…’
Q. To return to the subject of tipping, it is now usual for the best European hotels to have their reception desks staffed by polite, well-educated, middle-class young men and women who, once registration formalities are complete, escort you to the room.
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